Borders Railway closures planned for electrification work

The first stage of electrification work is set to begin this weekend on the Borders Railway with a series of line closures on the horizon.

It follows a Scottish government announcement in September last year of a £342m investment to electrify routes in Fife and the Borders and introduce new battery‑electric trains.

Network Rail said it would help cut carbon emissions, improve air quality, enhance the passenger experience and reduce operating costs.

Preparatory work will begin on Saturday with a series of weekend closures of the line between Edinburgh and Tweedbank next month.

The closures are schedule for 14-16 March, 21-23 March and 28-30 March when buses will replace trains.

Lynsey Maclean, scheme project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: "The Borders Railway was rebuilt with future electrification in mind, which means we can deliver this work with far less intrusive engineering than is required on many older parts of the network, where we often need to lower track or raise bridges.

"The infrastructure here is already suitable for this next stage of modernisation.

"Piling is still a vital early step in installing the overhead line equipment that will eventually power electric trains.

"Our teams have planned the activity carefully to keep disruption to a minimum for passengers and those living near the railway."

She said they were grateful to customers and local residents for their patience.

"Electrification will deliver long‑term benefits for the Borders, and this work marks an important milestone in creating a cleaner, more reliable and more sustainable railway for the future," she added.

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said it was an important step in paving the way for "new, greener trains and delivering a more modern railway".

He said they were working closely with Network Rail to keep customers informed and would provide clear alternative travel arrangements.